The mondo grass is like a “militaristic warrior,” resilient and tough; whether it is shade, sunlight, or deer, the mondo grass will grind it out.
It is popular among gardeners with limited time to care for their lawn because it is low-maintenance while keeping your yard looking fabulous.
Botanists refer to the snake beard or mondo grass as Ophiopogon japonicus; however, it is frequently confused with the lily tuft.
Mondo grass is smaller and has narrower leaves than lily tuft. However, does mondo grass spread as quickly as lily tuft. Let us find out.
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What is mondo grass
Despite its name, this magnificent evergreen ground cover and ornamental grass is not genuine grass but rather a near relation of the lily family. This perennial grass is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7-11.
The mondo grass is easy to grow and thrives in moist places. Once established, you can sit back and relax while it enlivens your outside settings. This grass revered in Japanese gardens has strappy dark-green leaves arch erect, reaching a height of up to 12 inches depending on the mondo grass species. The striking leaves are usually around a quarter-inch broad.
Its clumping growth behavior makes it excellent for planting in any place. The clumps contain a tuberous root structure and stolons that spread to generate new clumps that develop to be up to 24 inches wide, providing a uniform and stunning appearance to your yard.
Mondo grass becomes even greener in the summer. It lights up your outdoor space with glove-shaped white or lavender flowers concealed between its leaves, blossoming to yield vivid blueberries.
Landscaping with mondo grass
Landscaping with this stunning grass will undoubtedly improve the ambiance of your outdoor space. Still, many people are unaware of where the mondo grass fits best. It’s perplexing, with so many different types of mondo grass and many different ways to use it.
Dwarf mondo grass, for example, is the best choice for groundcover; if you don’t want the hassle of having to maintain lush green grass, dwarf mondo grass is the way to go. It spreads to fill in the gaps, forming a lawn-like covering.
The disadvantage of using this mondo grass is that it spreads slowly, so it will take some time for your lawn to fill in.
Mondo grass thrives in places where tuft grass cannot. The mondo grass grows well in sloppy areas and deep shade. However, mondo grass does not do well as a groundcover in areas with heavy foot traffic.
You will need to create a walkway with stepping stones if you plan to use it on your lawn.
Fortunately, the mondo grass requires little maintenance; it stops growing at a low height, saving you the trouble of mowing it regularly. Furthermore, the mondo grass is pet friendly; it can withstand dogs running and playing on it but not urinating or digging.
The mondo grass as ornamental grass can be planted around statues, on stepping stones, and under trees. The black mondo is an excellent choice for creating a soft edging plant that makes a soothing sound when the wind rustles through its deep dark green leaves.
Mondo grass is a versatile plant in any garden corner that can be livened and used as a lawn replacement.
See also: Is Mondo same as monkey grass?
Is mondo grass invasive
Mondo grass ranks among the most difficult plants to destroy. Mondo grass can be difficult to control after spreading and growing in an undesirable site. The mondo grass grows slowly, but it can be tough to remove once established.
I reside in Southern Carolina, where the weather is hot and humid. Mondo grass thrives in this climate and swiftly spreads, giving me headaches as I struggle to keep it out of my garden.
So, if you intend to warm areas, consider visiting an expert about mondo grass habits in your area first.
See also: What grass grows in sand?
Does mondo grass spread
Although mondo grass variations have the same seasonal beauty when grown properly, not all have the same. The ordinary mondo grass spreads quickly, but the mini mondo spreads slowly.
The mini mondo is a slow-spreading grass that behaves more like an ornamental plant than a grass, which many gardeners prefer because it allows you to appreciate and regulate its growth. It takes around 2-3 years for the plant to spread 3 to 4 inches.
The mini mondo, unlike carpeting grass, is clumping, so each plant will only spread as broad as it matures. This opens the door to weed invasion.
However, if the weather in your area is warm, the dwarf mondo will spread faster than in occasionally chilly areas. If you like to fill your lawn with dwarf mondo grass, look for the huge form of the mini mondo, which spreads just as well as the ordinary types.
Alternatively, if you supply enough fertilizer and water to the mini mondo, it will expand faster.
See also: Can you overwater lawn?
So, what kills mondo grass
Mondo grass spreads swiftly to take over your outdoor space; depending on your perspective, it may be an unpleasant guest in some areas of your garden. You must be careful to get rid of Mondo grass quickly.
Glyphosate is the only technique to kill mondo grass. Because Roundup is a non-selective herbicide, you risk harming your intended plants if you use it in your garden.
See also: Differences between Liriope and mondo grass
Mondo grass is lovely; if you want something different from your typical turf, mondo grass is the way. Most people adore the Mondo grass.
However, owing to the effort required to keep it under control, some individuals grow to regret having welcomed it into their outdoor space.
You’re lucky since this page answered the query, “does mondo grass spread?” It’s great that you now have a better idea of what you’re planting in your garden. You now understand what you are signing up for.
I’d love to hear what you think about the mondo grass; please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
